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Fisheries department sends observers to watch recreation anglers

Fishermen line the sides of the Kure Beach Pier in Kure Beach, N.C. Friday, June 21, 2013. The state Division of Marine Fisheries has expanded its observer program where officials interact with fisherman to record and report interactions with endangered species to the recreational fishery.

Last Modified: Sunday, June 23, 2013 at 6:09 p.m.

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Though they may sound nosy, those visitors aren't boating busybodies. They're officials - known as observers - from the state Division of Marine Fisheries, who take to the water in pairs and search for recreational fishermen to interview about fishing methods and outcomes.

"We're approaching them, asking questions about what they're fishing for, what type of bait they're using," said Jacob Boyd, observer program coordinator for the state Division of Marine Fisheries. "Then we observe from a safe distance to see what they're catching and discarding, and of course any interactions with protected species."

That information is later analyzed and could be used to help develop fishery management plans or to conduct stock assessments of a particular species. It also helps officials quantify bycatch, defined as any species caught by fishermen while they're angling for a different type of fish.

"We're allowed a certain amount of incidental takes per species," Boyd said. "The observer program provides coverage for these fisheries to ensure we don't go over that amount."

Marine Fisheries officials have observed commercial fisheries in this way since 2000, but only recently expanded the program to include recreational fishermen. While the commercial observations take place statewide, the recreational observers are currently focusing their efforts in Carteret County, in waters as far south as Stump Sound.

"We'd like to expand it statewide, but it just depends on budget," Boyd said. "We're trying to keep it going at least through the fall, and if we get the money, we'd like to do it again next year starting around May."

That timeline coincides with the beginning of the cobia fishing season, a full-flavored fish that's heavily targeted in Carteret County.

"We'll continue to get observations past that fishery, but it's a big one here," Boyd said. "There's a lot of effort put into that fishery. We hope to continue the program during other fisheries in summer and fall."

So far, observers have gotten largely positive reactions from recreational fishermen, though some tend to be more wary when officials cruise up in a vessel owned by the state.

"They're sometimes less receptive if it's a state boat," said Steve Laskovics, one of the division's recreational observers. "We just try to go up and introduce ourselves and explain the program. After we do that, it's fine."

It's especially helpful for anglers to know that the observer program is not regulatory in nature, Boyd said, meaning officials on the water aren't looking to bust recreational fishermen for failing to follow regulations.

"We are not out there enforcing anything or calling patrol if someone's doing something illegal," he said. "We are out there solely to collect data."

<p>Hobby anglers dropping lines in coastal waters may encounter inquisitive boaters on their next outing, full of questions about the specifics of the fishing trip.</p><p>Though they may sound nosy, those visitors aren't boating busybodies. They're officials - known as observers - from the state Division of Marine Fisheries, who take to the water in pairs and search for recreational fishermen to interview about fishing methods and outcomes.</p><p>"We're approaching them, asking questions about what they're fishing for, what type of bait they're using," said Jacob Boyd, observer program coordinator for the state Division of Marine Fisheries. "Then we observe from a safe distance to see what they're catching and discarding, and of course any interactions with protected species."</p><p>That information is later analyzed and could be used to help develop fishery management plans or to conduct stock assessments of a particular species. It also helps officials quantify bycatch, defined as any species caught by fishermen while they're angling for a different type of fish. </p><p>"We're allowed a certain amount of incidental takes per species," Boyd said. "The observer program provides coverage for these fisheries to ensure we don't go over that amount."</p><p>Marine Fisheries officials have observed commercial fisheries in this way since 2000, but only recently expanded the program to include recreational fishermen. While the commercial observations take place statewide, the recreational observers are currently focusing their efforts in Carteret County, in waters as far south as Stump Sound.</p><p>"We'd like to expand it statewide, but it just depends on budget," Boyd said. "We're trying to keep it going at least through the fall, and if we get the money, we'd like to do it again next year starting around May."</p><p>That timeline coincides with the beginning of the cobia fishing season, a full-flavored fish that's heavily targeted in Carteret County.</p><p>"We'll continue to get observations past that fishery, but it's a big one here," Boyd said. "There's a lot of effort put into that fishery. We hope to continue the program during other fisheries in summer and fall."</p><p>So far, observers have gotten largely positive reactions from recreational fishermen, though some tend to be more wary when officials cruise up in a vessel owned by the state.</p><p>"They're sometimes less receptive if it's a state boat," said Steve Laskovics, one of the division's recreational observers. "We just try to go up and introduce ourselves and explain the program. After we do that, it's fine."</p><p>It's especially helpful for anglers to know that the observer program is not regulatory in nature, Boyd said, meaning officials on the water aren't looking to bust recreational fishermen for failing to follow regulations. </p><p>"We are not out there enforcing anything or calling patrol if someone's doing something illegal," he said. "We are out there solely to collect data."</p><p>Kate Elizabeth Queram: 343-2217</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @kate_goes_bleu</p>